Exchange in brief

Savannah Morning News

Friday

Jun 22, 2007 at 11:30 PM

COMING SUNDAY: Record numbers of autos are expected to continue rolling through Georgia Ports.

WASHINGTON

Congress eyes new tax targets

A panoply of limited partnerships focused on everything from energy to real estate could become the next targets for lawmakers threatening to raise the tax burden on similarly structured hedge funds and private-equity firms.

ENTERTAINMENT

Disney rethinks direct-to-DVD sequels

In a major change of strategy, The Walt Disney Co. said it will no longer make lucrative direct-to-DVD sequels of such classic animated films as "Cinderella" and "The Lion King." The decision reflects the growing influence at the company of Pixar Animation creative head John Lasseter and former Pixar CEO Steve Jobs, who once called the sequels "embarrassing." Disney will continue to produce original DVD animated titles, such as the upcoming film centering on the fairy "Tinkerbell" from "Peter Pan."

AUTOMOTIVE

Toyota not following American labor lead

At a time when Detroit's Big Three are pressing for big labor-cost reductions this summer, Toyota sees no need to rein in wages and benefits right now.

UAW, Big Three in contract talks

Claims by the three major U.S.-based automakers that they must cut average wage-and-benefit costs by $30 per hour to compete with Asian rivals are merely pre-negotiation posturing, two top United Auto Workers officials told members Friday.

Home Depot's plan to buy back $22.5 billion of its shares has provided a much-needed lift to its underperforming stock, but the excitement could wear off quickly if history is a guide and if the retailer's promise to revitalize stores doesn't succeed in boosting sales. A senior executive says 2007 remains a challenging year for Home Depot, but she adds, "We'll get through this."

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